Former leading New Zealand publisher and bookseller, and widely experienced judge of both the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, talks about what he is currently reading, what impresses him and what doesn't, along with chat about the international English language book scene, and links to sites of interest to booklovers.

Monday, August 01, 2011

Dee Murch R.I.P.

The local publishing community has lost a much-loved and passionate advocate with the passing of Dee Murch on Friday evening after an 11-month battle with cancer.

Dee was a talented book designer, editor, a trustee of the Going West Books and Writers Festival, early team member of New Zealand Book Month and an active volunteer and regular presence at the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival and numerous other literary events.

She had worked in both a permanent and freelance capacity for New Holland Publishers for over seven years and her dedication was evident by the fact that she was still determinedly finishing off her last projects from bed in her final weeks.

Dee slipped away peacefully at her West Coast home, leaving husband Curt, daughter Elyia, mother Lyn and dog Sash. The lasting effect she had on so many, and their admiration for her courageous and gracious approach to her illness, has been illustrated by the flood of messages from friends and colleagues around the world to a Facebook support page set up by her family to help loved ones track her progress.

Dee’s life will be celebrated with a ceremony out West on Wednesday 3 August.